Msgr. Mazur Relieved of Priestly Duties

Altoona Mirror
March 14, 2019

http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/03/msgr-mazur-relieved-of-priestly-duties/


A priest at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament has been put on leave, a move the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese indicated is because of an investigation into allegations involving a minor.

“This comes as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct involving a minor, which occurred years ago,” diocese spokesman Tony DeGol said in a statement about Monsignor Robert C. Mazur that was sent out to news media late Wednesday afternoon.

“This matter is reported to law enforcement,” DeGol added, although what law enforcement agency DeGol is referring to remains unknown at this time.

The 68-year-old Mazur served as the rector of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament since 1995 and was also administrator of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Altoona since 2015.

After Mazur was ordained in 1976, the Cresson native taught religious studies at Bishop Guilfoyle High School. Mazur went on to serve as principal from 1984-89, when he left to serve as director of the Office of Worship for the diocese, according to Mirror archives.

Apart from the cathedral, Mazur was also assigned to serve various parishes throughout the diocese over the years, including St. Thomas More Church in Roaring Spring, St. Anne’s Church in Claysburg and Holy Rosary Church in Juniata.

Mazur will not be allowed to perform any duties as a priest and will live in a place where he won’t have contact with children, DeGol noted.

Bishop Mark L. Bartchak said in a statement that he is committed to protecting children.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones,” Bartchak said. “I assure the faithful of Altoona-Johnstown that I remain committed to protecting children, to supporting those who have been harmed and to helping our diocese find healing and peace.”

The diocese said the Very Rev. Alan E. Thomas, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Bellwood and vicar general of the diocese, will continue his duties and also serve the cathedral and Our Lady of Fatima.

DeGol stressed that the diocese “urged anyone with information about misconduct involving children to report it to law enforcement immediately” or call the Pennsyl­vania ChildLine at 800-932-0313.